Crime Trackers: SVPD seeks 5 men using stolen credit cards

Sierra Vista police need your help in identifying five men who were caught on surveillance cameras using stolen credit cards.

According to detectives, the men purchased high dollar items. They believe the suspects may be out of Tucson.

The credit card information was stolen from a popular restaurant in Sierra Vista known as Hibachi Grill. Recently, some customers found themselves paying for more than just a meal.

One victim said he spent $60 on the meal. The following day, someone used his credit card information to purchase a $1,000 prepaid Visa card at a Target store in Oro Valley.

Due to the nature of his job, he asked we not identify him. He said his credit monitoring service and his bank flagged the transaction as suspicious and called him.

“First of all, I have the credit card. Why would I buy another prepaid card with it?" he said. "Second of all, I have never shopped at a Target Store in Oro Valley.”

Sierra Vista Police detective Jordan Boltinghouse has been working the case. He said so far they have 12 victims. The common denominator is Hibachi Grill. He added all the victims had been there and paid with credit cards. They are regulars at the restaurant.

It happened between June and July.

“A staff member of that establishment is obtaining that credit card information and then giving it away or selling it," he said.

So far, police haven't been able to find out who. The detective said the restaurant owners have been very cooperative.

“[Their] system wasn't hacked, this is more of an internal thing," he said. "Therefore it's very vital that we work together to figure out who is doing this.”

Det. Boltinghouse tracked the stolen credit card numbers to Target Stores and Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores in Tucson. Five men were caught on surveillance cameras using the credit cards to purchase thousands of dollars worth of miscellaneous items, electronics and gift cards.

Investigators said some of the suspects were seen in a white vehicle.

The victim said this has affected his family in many ways.

“It's painful. I mean, we work hard for our money, we certainly don't have a lot of extra money," he said. "You know, they attempted to take something that wasn't theirs and they attempted to take it from us. “

If you have information call 88-CRIME , 911 or Det. Jordan Boltinghouse at (520) 452-7500. Case number is 15-20803.

Protection Against Credit Card Fraud:

* During a transaction, keep your eyes on your card. Make sure you get your card back before you walk away.

* Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces.

* Be sure the receipt only shows the first or last sequence of the card. If it shows the entire number, cross it off once the card has been ran.

* If the server gives you any grief, when you try to follow the above mentioned, ask to speak with a manager.